e causes aforesaid, remain full of
dissatisfaction in the middle of the country, expecting attempts
from the said governor and the evil counsellers aforesaid. And
since no proper means have been found out for the settlement of
the distractions, and preventing the horrid outrages and murders
daily committed in many places of the country by the barbarous
enemy, it hath been thought fit by the said general, to call unto
him all such sober and discreet gentlemen as the present
circumstances of the country will admit, to the Middle Plantation,
to consult and advise of re-establishing the peace of the country.
So we, the said gentlemen, being this third of August, 1676,
accordingly met, do advise, resolve, declare and conclude, and for
ourselves do swear in manner following:
1st. That we will at all times join with the said general Bacon
and his army, against the common enemy in all points whatsoever.
2nd. That whereas certain persons have lately contrived and
designed the raising forces against the said general, and the army
under his command, thereby to beget a civil war, we will endeavor
the discovery and apprehending of all and every of those evil
disposed persons, and them secure, until farther order from the
general.
3rd. And whereas it is credibly reported, that the governor hath
informed the king's majesty that the said general, and the people
of the country in arms under his command, their aiders and
abettors, are rebellious, and removed from their allegiance; and
that upon such like information, he, the said governor, hath
advised and petitioned the king to send forces to reduce them, we
do farther declare and believe in our consciences, that it
consists with the welfare of this country, and with our allegiance
to his most sacred majesty, that we, the inhabitants of Virginia,
to the utmost of our power, do oppose and suppress all forces
whatsoever of that nature, until such time as the king be fully
informed of the state of the case, by such person or persons as
shall be sent from the said Nathaniel Bacon, in the behalf of the
people, and the determination thereof be remitted hither. And we
do swear, that we will him, the said general, and the army under
his command, aid and assist accordingly."
Sec. 108. By this time the governor had got together a small party to side
with him. These he furnished with sloops, arms and ammunition, under
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